Senne, River tributary in Antwerp, Belgium.
The Senne is a small tributary of the Scheldt flowing through Antwerp for about 103 kilometers across urban and rural landscapes. The river is now monitored by two water treatment stations that work to maintain its quality.
In the 19th century, city authorities buried the river underground through large pipes to combat severe pollution and health hazards in urban areas. This massive redirection reshaped the city and kept the river out of sight from residents for generations.
The river shaped local speech and identity, with residents referencing it in everyday conversation and recognizing its role in shaping their neighborhoods. Today, you can see this connection in street names and in how people gather along its banks.
Visit during dry weather when the banks are easier to access and walking or cycling is more enjoyable along the water. Marked paths and cycling routes run along the river, making it simple to explore the area at your own pace.
Wild yeasts naturally present in the Senne valley contribute to the fermentation of traditional Belgian lambic beers, giving them their distinctive regional taste. Nearby breweries have relied on these natural microorganisms for centuries to produce their special beers.
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